Richard L. Baire

Duke Center- Richard L. “Dick” Baire “Loving Father, Grandfather, & Brother”

 Richard L. Baire of 881 Main Street passed way on Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family in South Carolina.

Dick was born November 3, 1931, in Olean and was the son of Chester R. Baire Sr. and Alice Abdo Cole. Dick helped raise and protect his brother Max. He met the love of his life and asked her to marry him. She said yes, but her father said, “Not until you graduate”. So, with her help, 6 months later he finished school. On February 3, 1951, in St. Mary’s Church he married Margaret L. “Nickey” Ducey who predeceased him on December 6, 2021. He now rests in peace with the love of his life forever.

 Dick started a self-employed business shining shoes at the age of 8 years old in Olean. He worked many places in between including as a Metropolitan Insurance Agent, Blue Bird Bus Company as Transportation Coordinator, Crosby Dairy Delivery, the Co-founder of Baire’s Janitorial Service, and retired from Ethan Allen Furniture Company as a shipping manager in Eldred, Pa. In his retirement, Dick could be found doing odd jobs for John Ash Cleaners, Blocking Hats and the Beef N’ Barrell as maintenance. 

 Coming from a family of many he started his own family, devoting his life to taking care of them.

 Dick was a life member of St. Joseph’s Maronite Church. He helped take care of the priests that lived next door. He was a member of the Church Council and on the annual Planning Group for the Mahajan Festival. Dick was a past President and Life Member of the Eagles Club of Olean, Scout Master for Troop12, Boy Scouts of America attending the first Woodstock Event in Canada., Kiwanis Club, and Bingo Inspector for the City of Olean.

Dick enjoyed many past times. Including mowing (everyday if possible), yard work, woodworking, fixing stuff. But the most important thing he enjoyed was his family and spending time with them. He would light up when his family was around and lived by a “family first” moto. 

Dick coaching midget football, little league baseball and the St. Joseph’s basketball team. He was Santa's Special Helper for many years (blizzards or not!). 

Dick is survived by; 3 children, Michael R. (Sandra Blatchley) Baire of Port Kent, Patricia M. (Ricky) Price of Duke Center, John C. (Laurie) Baire of Allegany; 11 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; 4 siblings, Max Baire of Olean, Nancy (Dan) Babcock of OK, Chuck (Marcia) Baer of Olean, Bobby Baer of VA; a sister in-law, Sylvia Baer of Allegany, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his loving wife Nickey, Dick was predeceased by; a son, Theodore Baire; his parents; daughter in law, Marcia Baire; 2 siblings, Darlene Kelly and Ronnie Baer; 3 in-laws, Tom Kelly, Rochelle (Rocky) Baire and Paula Baer.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the St. Bonaventure Church, from 9:00am to 10:00am at which time a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

His love for children shown through annually as he supported St Jude Children’s Hospital for many years. All memorial contributions should be made, in his name, online or sent to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn 38105.